MixxedFit®, the newest class to hit our recreation centers, is a blend of explosive dancing and boot camp inspired toning. You'll dance to the latest chart-toppers with choreography that is simple to follow, so you can really focus on getting a great workout. Classes are 60 minutes in length and require no equipment. Just bring your energy and have a blast while you burn calories!

Try MixxedFit® for free at our program launch at Seatack Rec Center on Saturday, July 12 from 9 am to 10 am. No membership or group fitness pass needed.

Meet Holly Hickson, a 28-year old chiropractic assistant. She joined the recreation centers a year and a half ago after seeing a picture of herself that prompted her to make a change in her life.

Holly started out using just cardio equipment on her lunch breaks, eventually trying out a Zumba class at the suggestion of a friend. Thanks to instructor, Mady making everyone feel comfortable and empowered to learn the routines, she kept coming back. Within the next few months, she and a friend were inspired to try more classes, such as Turbo Tabata & Core with Birgitt, and Train to the Max with Robert. She appreciated that these instructors gave intensity options and helped her feel comfortable and capable!

This new found confidence led Holly to the weight room to start lifting on her own and allowed her to feel up to the challenge of BODYPUMP® classes when they launched at the rec centers. Holly says that BODYPUMP® instructor, Arlene's mantra, "I can and I will," sticks with her throughout all of her workouts and in life in general.

By eating clean and taking every advantage of our recreation centers, Holly has lost 56 pounds so far! She says, "My weight loss journey is not over and I have more goals to achieve, but I know that with the help of my rec center family and friends, anything is possible!"

Congratulations, Holly, on your amazing accomplishments and we look forward to continuing to support your fitness journey! If you'd like to share your success story, please email us at fun@vbgov.com.

Fitness Tip Video Clip: Couch Stretch

Whether you are a walker, runner, weight lifter or crossfitter, you've probably experienced tight quads, hip flexors and sore ankles on occasion. We're often asked about good stretches to address these issues.

Check out this month's video tip to learn about the couch stretch, a great way to open up the entire anterior muscle chain, allowing you to fully extend your hips, knees, and ankles. Your legs will thank you for this one!

4 Tips for Creating Small Habits That Lead to Change

If you're like most people, you've certainly experienced the feeling of there not being enough hours in the day. You may feel like you're being pulled in several directions at any given time and as a result, aren't getting anything meaningful done. You may also find you don't have the time you need to dedicate to your personal goals.

Learn to simplify your life by implementing small habits that can help you focus on the things that are good for and important to you. If you start small, you are more likely to stick with it, so commit to changing one habit for 30 days and see where it takes you!

1. Select one small habit. The key here is to keep it small, but choose something that will have an impact. For example, you might decide that instead of sitting down to watch tv after dinner, you want to be more active.

2. Write down your plan for success. Be specific in what you'll do and when. In the example above, you might decide that you will walk for 25 minutes every evening after dinner.

3. Post your goal publicly and report your progress daily. Online forums are great, but emails to coworkers, family and friends work too. Let your family know that about your nightly walk and ask them to hold you accountable. This will keep you committed, not to mention, you'll likely have encouragement from them and may even inspire them to join you.

4. Celebrate your new habit and move onto the next one! Build upon your success with your next habit and repeat the process.

Mint is an herb that thrives in a variety of environments, but is partial to cool, moist spots in partial shade. Mint has a plethora of health benefits, from clearing up congestion, to relieving fatigue and depression, to assisting with weight loss. A single plant can provide more than enough mint for home use. Try growing your own mint plant, or pick up some fresh leaves at the store and use them to infuse a pitcher of water. The leaves have an aromatic, sweet flavor with a cool aftertaste that will leave you feeling refreshed on hot summer days!

All Virginia Beach Recreation Centers, Owl Creek Tennis Center, and administrative offices will be closed on Friday, July 4 for Independence Day. Parks will be open!

Don't forget that your membership is good at all Virginia Beach Recreation Centers! If your usual center is closed for maintenance, take the opportunity to visit another center. Use this locator to help you find one!

Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation believes all of our diverse citizens have a right to participate in community recreation and we are committed to creating equal access for everyone who may have a challenge or barrier. If you or your child requires additional support, we can help. Learn more about our accommodation and inclusion services.

We welcome your comments and questions. Feel free to email us at fun@VBgov.com.

Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is accredited by CAPRA, the certifying agency of the National Recreation and Park Association.